SIA Brain Awareness Foundation, Inc.
REMEMBERING
SIA CHRISTINE YORKER
Born at Bethesda Naval Medical Center on July 15, 1991, Sia Christine Yorker was a radiant soul who truly adored God and acted as a natural magnet for everyone she met. With a camera often in her hand and a heart dedicated to children, Sia’s vibrant spirit shone through her volunteer work and her leadership as a soccer captain and mentor at Pine Ridge High School. She was a young woman of ambition and grace, having just achieved her dream of being accepted into the Medical Program at the University of Florida to become a pediatrician.
Sia’s life was a beautiful tapestry of passions—from the theater and travel to her famous love for high heels and quiet moments on the beach. Though her journey on earth ended far too soon on June 21, 2011, following a sudden brain hemorrhage, her legacy remains a powerful force of inspiration. While our hearts ache, we find our greatest peace in the promise of her faith: that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Her 19 years were a gift, and we are eternally rewarded by the way her light continues to propel others toward hope and progress.
MEET THE
YORKER FAMILY
Paula E. Yorker
Founder & Executive Director
Sia Foundation
Paula E. Yorker is the Founder and Executive Director of the Sia Yorker Brain Awareness Scholarship Foundation, Inc., established in loving memory of her daughter, Sia Christine Yorker, who transitioned at the age of 19 following a sudden acute brain hemorrhage.
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Paula is an Ordained Minister, Christian Counselor with Mackie & Pammie, LLC, John Maxwell Certified Coach, Trainer, and Speaker, and a Marquis Who’s Who honoree. She holds a Bachelor of Pastoral Leadership, an Associate of Theology, and a Master of Religious Arts.
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As a mother who experienced the sudden loss of her daughter and as a healthcare professional, Paula turned her pain into purpose. She is an Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia Care Trainer, Dementia Care Manager, Dementia Practitioner, and Activity Director Certified with a Memory Care Specialty. Her passion for brain awareness is deeply personal and fuels her commitment to educating communities about brain hemorrhages, brain health, prevention, and other serious brain conditions.
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Paula and her husband, Albert T. “Al” Yorker, have dedicated their lives to serving God and others. Together, they have led Evangelism Workshops and Think Big Brain Awareness Seminars in the United States and internationally. Paula also ministers, leads mission outreach, facilitates grief and bereavement support, and speaks on Evangelism & Discipleship, Intercessory Prayer, Inner Healing, Restoration, Leadership, Grief, and Brain Awareness.
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She has spoken at the University of Florida McKnight Brain Institute, Global Prayer Quake Conference, and Charisma Conference, and her ministry and work have been featured through Charisma Magazine, Spirit Led Woman, Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), and ministry conferences in the United States and Nigeria.
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Paula is also the author of WHAT DO YOU DO IN THE MIDST OF A SUDDENLY?
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Paula and Al serve faithfully at Trinity Church of Deltona, where they facilitate the Christ-centered Grief-Share support group, “Rising Above It All,” and the Intercessory Prayer Ministry.
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Through every scholarship awarded, every student encouraged, every family educated, and every life touched, Paula and Al continue to carry forward the legacy of their beloved daughter.
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Because Sia Lived. 💜
Albert T. Yorker
Director of Community Outreach & Treasurer
Sia Foundation
As Public Relations Director for the Sia Yorker Brain Awareness Scholarship Foundation, Inc., Al works to build meaningful relationships with community organizations, businesses, public-interest groups, and supporters. He assists with coordinating public appearances, lectures, Brain Awareness Workshops, seminars, conferences, fundraising activities, and community outreach while helping keep the public and the Foundation’s partners informed about its mission, programs, and progress.
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Al’s heart for service extends far beyond his local community. His international mission work has taken him to India, Indonesia, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Ethiopia, Brazil, and other nations, where he has helped provide spiritual guidance, food, housing assistance, Bibles, and other support to underserved communities. He has also helped coordinate community initiatives, including back-to-school backpack programs for children.
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Al and Paula have also shared their ministry through the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), using their experiences and faith to encourage and serve others.
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Al is a Covenant Partner at Trinity Church of Deltona and serves on the Board of Directors under the leadership of Pastors Jamie and Michelle Jones. He oversees the Prison Ministry and Celebrate Recovery and, alongside Paula, co-facilitates the Christ-centered GriefShare support group, “Rising Above It All,” and the Intercessory Prayer Ministry.
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Whether serving his country, caring for others as a nurse, ministering across the world, or carrying forward Sia’s legacy, Al’s life reflects a commitment to faith, family, service, and helping others.
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Because Sia Lived. 💜